12 Things I’ve learnt from 12 years of Yoga Babies
I’ve been teaching parent and baby yoga in St Andrews for more than 12 years, here are some of my musings about what these years have taught me….
Reflections on parenting, community, and finding your own path.
Over the past 14 years of parenting and more than a decade of teaching Yoga Babies classes, I’ve had the privilege of meeting countless mums, dads, and carers. Everyone’s experience is different but I’ve noticed some common themes that come up again and again. Here are 12 observations from my 12 years of teaching…
Challenges
1. Parenting is hard
However prepared you are it’s hard. Whether it’s your first child of your fourth. Being a parent is physically demanding, mentally exhausting, and involves constantly shifting your expectations.
2. Some parents seem to have it all sorted
They are just as worried and anxious as you, they just show it differently.
3. Sleep will occupy 90% of your thoughts
You will spend a large part of your days and nights trying to get your baby to sleep, and trying to keep them asleep. At other times you will desperately try to keep your baby awake as it is the ‘wrong time’ for them to nap.
4. You won’t sleep when the baby sleeps
It doesn’t matter how many times you are given this piece of advice, you will continue to run around trying to finish all those chores whenever your baby finally does nap, and then wish later that you had rested.
5. Your conversation topics will change
You will find yourself surprisingly comfortable talking to people you have only just met about boobs, vaginas, and bowel movements
Self Care
6. Time for you is vital
I know, it’s hard, but you need to give yourself some time. Your sole reason for existence is not your little one, you are important too. Even just a few minutes in class to stretch, breathe, or sit quietly can help you feel more like yourself again, which makes everything else feel a little more manageable.
7. Moving your body feels good
Suddenly you are spending long hours sitting on floors, feeding hunched over in uncomfortable chairs, carrying heavy car seats, lying in an awkward position so you don’t move and disturb baby. Taking a few minutes whenever you can to stretch out and move helps to keep those aches and pains away.
8. Learn the power of breath
Taking a deep breath feels like a cliché but it works. The breath is one of the most powerful tools to stay calm and steady through whatever happens, and we have it with us at all times.
9. Your body will be different
And that’s not a bad thing. Why would you want to “get your body back” when this one has done such amazing things? Instead, try focusing on reconnecting to your body, learning about how it is now, and loving yourself as you are.
Community
10. Community helps
Having people around you who understand is so important. Someone to talk to, to remind you you’re not alone, to reassure you. I’ve seen so many parents join these classes and leave with friendships that last long beyond the baby months.
11. It’s not just about the yoga
The little things in class make all the difference. Having someone offer a helping hand when yours are full, being made a hot drink that you might actually get the time to drink, finding confidence in handling your baby, and time to connect with others. These small moments are often the ones parents remember most.
And Finally…
12. You’ll find your own path
It might take time but you will find the way to parent that is right for you. You, just as you are, are the perfect parent for your child. You are exactly what they need.
These reflections have grown out of 12 years of teaching Yoga Babies and sharing space with new parents. Every class is a reminder that parenting is joyful, demanding, and often overwhelming all at once. A little movement, breath, and community can make a big difference. If you’d like to join the next block of Yoga Babies classes, I’d love to welcome you and your little one.
You can find out more about my Yoga Babies classes and book your space on an upcoming block by clicking the button below.